The legend has it that back in 1128 a lonesome traveller came to the abbey of Grimbergen. After months of wandering with almost nothing to eat and only very little to drink, he was exhausted beyond measure.

Almost nine centuries ago, in a small village north of Brussels, a group of Norbertine monks lay the first stone to what eventually became the Grimbergen abbey. But this abbey is not like other abbeys. It has been destroyed by raging fire not only once but three times since 1128.